Zac Sunderland's around-the-world odyssey: Puerto Vallarta detour

CaptionZac Sunderland in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Al Seib / Los Angeles Times

Zac Sunderland with his sailboat, Intrepid, in rainy Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Sunderland, now 17, embarked from Marina del Rey on June 14, 2008, on a mission to become the youngest sailor ever to circumnavigate the globe alone.

Zac Sunderland with his sailboat, Intrepid, in rainy Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Sunderland, now 17, embarked from Marina del Rey on June 14, 2008, on a mission to become the youngest sailor ever to circumnavigate the globe alone. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Sunderland, with his father, Laurence, collect his gear before departing Puerto Vallarta. He had sought shelter in the port after his boat's bulkhead buckled and its mast supports ripped loose in rough seas.

Sunderland, with his father, Laurence, collect his gear before departing Puerto Vallarta. He had sought shelter in the port after his boat's bulkhead buckled and its mast supports ripped loose in rough seas. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)